Registering your baby’s birth

Congratulations on the birth of your baby! You will now need to register your baby’s birth.

If you live in England, Wales or Northern Ireland you must register your baby’s birth at your local registry office within 42 days (six weeks). Details of how and where to register the birth can be found on GOV.UK or from the leaflet in the pack given to you by your midwife.

You can make the appointment by phone or online in some areas.  If you can’t register the birth in the area where your baby was born, you can contact the local registry office and they will advise you what to do.

What information will I be asked to provide?

• The date and the place your baby was born
• The sex of the baby
• The name(s) you have chosen and the last name you wish your baby to have
• Full names and addresses of both parents and their place and date of birth
• The date of the parents’ marriage/civil partnership (if applicable)
• Mother’s maiden name (if applicable), and
• Parents’ employment details

You might not be asked to provide all of this information, depending on who is registering the birth, but it’s best to arrive prepared.

Both parents/carers will need to attend to gain parental responsibility if you are not married/in a civil partnership, go to GOV.UK for further information about registering the baby’s birth in this case.

You’ll also need to take at least one form of identification with you. For example:

• Your passport
• Your birth certificate
• Your deed poll (if you have changed your surname)
• Your driving licence
• A proof of address (e.g. Council tax bill)
• Your marriage or civil partnership certificate

You should also take your child’s personal child health record or ‘red book’, as some registrars may ask to see it.

You can find out more on GOV.UK.